Hunt for man who attacked pensioner in Archway

DETECTIVES are hunting man who led an “unprovoked” attack which left a pensioner with a deep cut on his head and a fractured hip.

The victim, a 79-year-old man, is still in hospital recovering from the daylight attack on New Year’s Eve.

The Metropolitan Police said the victim and the suspect were in the McDonald’s restaurant near Archway Underground station and there was a “brief exchange of words”.

The suspect walked towards Holloway Road and the elderly man travelled in the same direction a short time later.

However, about two metres from the exit of McDonald’s, the suspect turned around, approached the man and punched him in the face.

CCTV images of the man police want to trace

The pensioner fell to the ground and was taken to hospital with his head and hip injuries.

The suspect made off towards Holloway Road and the tube station.

Police said he is described as a white man, of average build, aged between 30 and 40. He has short dark hair with a receding hairline.

Police released CCTV images this week of a man they want to trace in connection with the attack.

Detective Constable Darren Burt, of the Central North Command Unit, said: “This appears to have been a completely unprovoked attack on an innocent man, whose life may now be changed forever due to his injuries.

“Over a month later, the victim is still in hospital following hip surgery. We urge anyone who recogni­ses this man or has any information to come forward and contact police.” Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting CAD 4091/31 December. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org